Idioms starting with B

Each card gives the idiom's meaning and one example of it in use. Open one for the Vietnamese expression that comes closest.

27 idioms

Back to square one
Success and Failure
Back to the beginning, with all previous progress lost.
Example: The client rejected the whole design, so we are back to square one.
Barking dogs seldom bite
Communication and Mind
People who make the loudest threats are usually the least dangerous.
Example: He shouted for ten minutes and did nothing — barking dogs seldom bite.
Barking up the wrong tree
Success and Failure
To be pursuing the wrong person or the wrong explanation.
Example: If you think I took it, you are barking up the wrong tree.
Beat around the bush
Communication and Mind
To avoid saying what you really mean.
Example: Stop beating around the bush and tell me how much it costs.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
People and Relationships
What one person finds beautiful, another may not.
Example: He loved the old house that everyone called ugly — beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Beauty is only skin deep
People and Relationships
Physical attractiveness says nothing about a person's character.
Example: He was charming to look at and unkind to everyone — beauty is only skin deep.
Beggars can't be choosers
Money and Wealth
When you have no other option, you must accept what you are given.
Example: The only room left was tiny, but beggars can't be choosers.
Better late than never
Time and Life
Doing something late is better than not doing it at all.
Example: He apologised a year later, but better late than never.
Better luck next time
Success and Failure
Said to console someone who has just failed at something.
Example: He missed the cut by two points — better luck next time.
Better safe than sorry
Success and Failure
It is wiser to be careful than to take a risk and regret it later.
Example: Take the umbrella — better safe than sorry.
Better to die on your feet than live on your knees
Morality and Karma
It is better to die fighting than to live in submission.
Example: The strikers rejected the humiliating offer, saying it was better to die on your feet than live on your knees.
Birds of a feather flock together
People and Relationships
People with similar characters tend to spend time together.
Example: All four of them love chess — birds of a feather flock together.